The UAE has activated the online application portal for its AED 1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund (NIRF), creating a new financing opportunity for eligible manufacturers planning to establish factories, expand production or strengthen local supply chains.
Emirates Development Bank (EDB), in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), announced the portal activation on 4 November 2026. The five-year programme aims to increase local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imported goods, and support advanced technology across the industrial sector.
The portal allows eligible manufacturers to apply for funding. However, the programme is not open to every UAE business. It targets new factories and existing manufacturers working in approved sectors and producing eligible products. Businesses considering expansion, production integration, or local manufacturing projects should review the eligibility requirements before applying.
What does the AED 1 billion fund offer?
The NIRF offers financing at a 0% annual interest rate during the programme period, with an annual service fee of 0.75%. Eligible businesses may receive up to AED 100 million per project or corporate group. Capital expenditure (CAPEX) financing can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs.
The funding can support factory construction, machinery, production lines, expansion, and integration. It may also cover eligible storage infrastructure. Working capital facilities can help businesses pay suppliers, build strategic inventories and support production needs, subject to approved limits and terms.
Priority sectors include pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, food and food processing, primary metals, processing manufacturing, mechanical, electrical and chemical industries, advanced technology, and construction and building.
Governance and ADNOC partnership support local industry
The portal activation coincided with a meeting of the Fund’s Joint Governance Committee at MoIAT’s Dubai office. MoIAT chairs the committee, with the Ministry of Finance and EDB represented in its governance structure. This arrangement supports oversight of the fund and its alignment with the UAE’s industrial priorities.
The programme also builds on an earlier partnership with ADNOC. In May 2026, ADNOC became the fund’s first industrial partner through an agreement with MoIAT and EDB. The partnership aims to connect local manufacturers with procurement demand and support the growth of UAE suppliers. However, receiving NIRF financing does not guarantee a supply contract with ADNOC.
What should businesses prepare before applying?
Manufacturers should first check whether their products and projects fall within the fund’s approved priorities. They should then assess the full cost of the proposed investment, expect production needs and working capital requirements.
A clear financial plan is important when seeking business financing. Companies should maintain accurate accounting records, prepare reliable financial statements, and review their cash flow before making major investment decisions. Budgeting and forecasting can also help them estimate project costs, plan future expenses, and assess whether an expansion is financially practical.
Ignoring these steps can leave businesses with unclear funding requirements, weak financial records or unrealistic project estimates. Applications are subject to eligibility checks, programme approval, and EDB’s credit assessment. Applying does not guarantee financing.
How DBTA can support manufacturers
For businesses planning industrial expansion, financial preparation is as important as identifying a funding opportunity. Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) supports UAE companies through business advisory, budgeting and forecasting, accounting and bookkeeping, financial reporting and financial due diligence.
These services can help businesses understand their financial position, assess investment costs and organise the information needed to make sound decisions. DBTA’s ACCA-qualified team also supports companies with financial management and compliance, helping them maintain clear records as their operations grow.
With the NIRF application portal now active, eligible manufacturers should review the requirements and assess their readiness. A well-planned project, supported by accurate financial information, can put a business in a stronger position to evaluate this financing opportunity.
